Non Express Entry Process in Canada

The non-Express Entry process in Canada allows individuals to apply for Canadian permanent residence through a province or territory that nominates them within the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This process, also named the Non Express Entry Stream, works separately from the Express Entry system which operates for skilled workers applicants wishing to immigrate to Canada. Below, our specialized immigration lawyers in Canada offer essential guidelines in having a better understanding of how this program works.

Who is eligible for the PNP Non Express Entry

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was created for workers who:

• Have the skills, education, and work experience needed to help a specific province or territory’s economy;
• Want to live in that particular province or territory;
• Want to become permanent residents of Canada.

Each province and territory has its own specific programs, called “streams,” that focus on different groups of people. For instance, in the province British Columbia, known for its cultural diversity and economic growth, the BC PNP non Express Entry program can be used for skilled workers or graduates from specific categories. Furthermore, some streams may be designed for:

• Students;
• Business people;
• Skilled workers;
• Semi-skilled workers.

How to apply for the Canada Non Express Entry

Applying for Canada’s Non Express Entry involves four main steps:

1. Get nominated by a province or territory: choose the province or territory where you want to live and apply directly to their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) based on your skills and experience;
2. Apply for permanent residence in Canada: once nominated, submit your permanent residence application with all required documents;
3. Application review: the Canadian immigration office will review your application for the non Express Entry in Canada and may request additional information or documents;
4. Prepare for arrival: if approved, you will receive guidance to help you prepare for your move and settlement in your chosen province or territory.

Documents required to apply for Non Express Entry in Canada

To apply for the Non Express Entry PNP in Canada, you will generally need to submit a number of documents to both the province or territory and to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Requirements for the non Express Entry in Canada can vary slightly by province and stream. Below, you can find the key required documents:

• Provincial nomination form (specific to the province);
• Passport and personal ID;
• Language test results (e.g., IELTS, TEF, or TCF);
• Educational documents (certificates, transcripts);
• Work experience proof (reference letters, contracts);
• Job offer (if required by the province);
• Proof of funds (bank statements);
• Police clearance certificates;
• Medical exam (from an IRCC-approved doctor);
• Family documents (if applicable: marriage/birth certificates).

Our Canadian immigration lawyers can offer support in the preparation of the documents in order to successfully apply for the Canada Non Express Entry.

Application timeline and fees for the Non Express Entry

The application process for the PNP Non Express Entry in Canada begins with a starting fee of $1,525. This fee covers the initial cost of submitting your application for consideration. On average, the processing time for applications is approximately 19 months. However, it is important to understand that this timeframe is only an estimate and can change depending on several factors. These include the overall number of applicants in a given year and Canada’s annual immigration targets.

Moreover, for entrepreneur immigration to Canada, specifically British Columbia, through the BC PNP non Express Entry program, application fees are of $3,500 and the processing time is 6 weeks for the registration score and 4 months for the notification of application decision.

Our immigration attorneys in Canada can offer additional support to make the application process as efficient as possible.

Data on immigration to Canada

Canada continues to be a top choice for immigrants around the world. Over the last two decades, immigration to Canada has steadily increased, as official data mentions:

• 464,265 people immigrated to Canada in 2024;
• In 2022-2023, the number of immigrants to Canada was 468,913, similar to 2024;
• Ontario welcomed the most immigrants between 2022 and 2023, with 199,297 immigrants.

For professional support regarding Canadian immigration through the Non Express Entry Process in Canada, do not hesitate to contact our specialized immigration lawyers.